Bringing more radiation therapy clinical trials to MD Anderson's Houston-area satellite clinics
A radiation oncology clinician scientist devoted to building a clinical research program in an integrated academic satellite network in service to the National Cancer Institute
This program brings more radiation therapy clinical trials and brain-cancer testing to people treated at MD Anderson's Houston-area clinics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312637 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are treated for a brain or central nervous system tumor at MD Anderson's Houston-area satellites, this program aims to make NCI-sponsored radiation therapy trials available to you closer to home. Dr. Stephen Chun will lead efforts to expand patient enrollment, add lab-based biomarker testing tied to patient samples, and provide standardized neurocognitive testing within those trials. The project also includes clinician education and new workflows so treating teams can offer trials more routinely. Overall, the work is designed to increase participation in trials and collect biological and cognitive data that could guide future personalized care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Best suited for people with central nervous system (brain or spinal) cancers who receive radiation therapy at MD Anderson's Houston-area hospitals and satellites.
Not a fit: People without CNS cancers or those treated outside the MD Anderson Houston-area network are unlikely to benefit directly from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have easier access to NCI radiation trials, biomarker-informed treatment options, and regular cognitive monitoring during and after therapy.
How similar studies have performed: MD Anderson's prior Houston Area Location efforts increased trial enrollment from about 1% to 14%, showing local expansion can boost participation, while integrating biomarkers and neurocognitive testing is a growing but still novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chun, Stephen G — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chun, Stephen G
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.